RE: This is why it is fundamental to have one holy catholic apostolic church from the First Century until this hour.
How did the holy catholic apostolic church ensure that what was copied was indeed faithful to the original seeing how far flung the Roman empire was and how many copies there were circulating out there?
Was there a CENTRAL place during the early first century that informed every Christian in the Roman Empire that THIS ONE COPY (say) is the basis by which all copies have to be based on?
I think you misunderstood me. The reason that I wrote it was fundamental that there be one holy catholic apostolic church from the First Century until this hour is precisely because the Messiah promised to build His church, not to write His Bible (yes, I know Revelation is an exception and full of works, works, works).